Hebrews 5:1

1 For every high priest chosen from among men 1is appointed to act on behalf of men 2in relation to God, 3to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

Hebrews 5:1 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 5:1

For every high priest taken from among men
Every one that was an high priest under the law was a man, and not an angel; and it was proper he should be so, that he might be a priest for men, have compassion on them, and offer for them; and he was among the number of common men, and was taken out from them, and chosen and separated from the rest of men, as Aaron and his sons were from the children of Israel, ( Exodus 28:1 ) . And such an one

is ordained for men;
in their room and stead, and for their good; and above them, as the word sometimes signifies; he was exalted unto, and invested with a superior office, to which he was ordained according to the law of a carnal commandment, by anointing with oil, and without an oath.

In things pertaining to God;
in things in which God had to do with men; and so he presided over them in the name of God, and declared the will of God unto them, and blessed them; and in things in which men had to do with God; and so he appeared in their name, and represented their persons, and presented their sacrifices to God, as follows:

that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins;
freewill offerings, peace offerings, burnt offerings, sin and trespass offerings, all kind of sacrifice.

Hebrews 5:1 In-Context

1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.
3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.
4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you";

Cross References 3

  • 1. Hebrews 8:3
  • 2. Hebrews 2:17
  • 3. Hebrews 8:3, 4; Hebrews 9:9; Hebrews 10:11; Hebrews 11:4
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.